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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.